Crossplay

Crossplay

Share this post

Crossplay
Crossplay
Kid Arcades Are Now The Exploitation Zone
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Kid Arcades Are Now The Exploitation Zone

Oh, look, an arcade next to the pool. Would you like to throw away some money?

Patrick Klepek's avatar
Patrick Klepek
May 29, 2024
∙ Paid
10

Share this post

Crossplay
Crossplay
Kid Arcades Are Now The Exploitation Zone
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
2
1
Share

What comes to mind when you think of the word “arcade?”

Rows of video screens, scattered loud noises as the machines enter into gameplay loops meant to attract people to spend their money. Look, times change. I’m not trying to be a huffy old man. But increasingly, what “arcade” means is what you see in the photo above. It’s rows of games, technically speaking, but the games have nothing to do with skill or a shared experience, but are machines designed for exploitation.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Crossplay to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Patrick Klepek
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More